Accident

One morning on our way from the hotel to the compound we happened upon a car accident that had literally just happened. All we could see was a huge crowd gathered in the street and we saw a few men wailing about on the side of the road. The local doctors that we had in our car said that it was a car accident. Then we saw a young boy (probably around 12 years old) being carried off the road...with his body totally limp.

We were all in shock. Obviously the boy had been hit by a car. At first we thought it was a hit and run, but later we found out it wasn't. We didn't know what to do, so our driver just kept driving on. But then all of us in the car thought we should turn around, especially since we had doctors in the car....I mean, it's not like the ambulance was going to be there any minute or something! The doctors were hesitant at first because they said the cops have to come to the scene first before anyone can help or transport an injured person. They then decided to help anyway. They got out of the van and we all thought they would just assess his injuries right there on the street, but no, they brought him in the van and laid him on the floor! Our van was already packed full of people and here is this injured unconscious boy, bleeding profusely from his head! Nobody was prepared for that! His friend/brother came in the van too. Lita had some face masks in her bag that the doctors used to try to stop the bleeding, but nobody had gloves or anything. The doctors first initial thought was that he was going to die.

We drove him to the nearest hospital...which was very close, but very poor conditions. It was all just a bit surreal...no gurnies, nothing, just carrying the boy around like a rag doll. The doctors helped out at the hospital for a little while, but then we went on our way. The head injury was very severe, there was swelling and internal bleeding. The next day we found out he was transferred to another hospital, but that's all we know. I wonder if he survived...my guess is not.

It's just crazy how accidents happen everywhere!! I'm actually surprised it doesn't occur more there. The streets seem very unsafe...animals, people, and cars all think they own the same road! Pretty scary. Experiencing this was something like out of a movie. It just made me realize even more how lucky we are here in America. Car accidents are bad anywhere...but at least here we have 911, first responders (cops, paramedics, ambulances), close up-to-date hospitals, and adequate trained staff. We are truly blessed.

We put baby wipes over the blood in the van. We were very careful and wanted to make sure nobody touched the blood. The doctors cleaned it up once we got to the clinic.

This is the outside of the Shashamene Hospital. It looked like and old army mash episode.